TRENCH RESCUE - LESSONS LEARNED
Following the recent successful Trench Rescue in Battalion 5 (41s District) members who were assigned to the incident were asked to submit information regarding "What went right/What went wrong" and "Lessons Learned" based on the actions of the Rescue Team and Incident Commanders.
This rescue presented several challenges that were unique and specific to this incident (but could be present at others) including:
1. A steep, unstable hillside located directly above the victim.
2. A 15 foot concrete wall directly adjacent to the victim.
3. Very limited access for resources including apparatus and equipment.
4. Very limited egress for resources - specifically the transporting Rescue Ambulance.
Some of the actions taken at the incident were successful and worth noting including:
1. Initial responding Companies attempted to spot apparatus away from the front of the rescue location in an effort to leave an open space for USAR 88 and Heavy Rescue 56.
2. Adequate specialized resources were requested by initial responders.
3. Initial On-Scene Officers attempted to give responding Companies proper directions for access to the incident.
4. Every attempt was made to utilizer only USAR certified members in the rescue zone.
5. Members took advantage of the concrete wall to establish a "high point" for rope and tethering operations.
6. A "Rescue Officer" and "Safety Officer" were immediately designated to control and oversee operations in the rescue zone.
7. No attempts to rescue the victim were initiated until the trench was properly shored.
8. The medical condition of the victim was immediately assessed and constantly monitored throughout the incident.
9. All members in the Rescue Zone were tethered off as a safety precaution.
10. Cooperation between LAFD and LA County was excellent and seamless during the rescue.
11. Designation of an Operations Officer proved to be beneficial and enabled the Incident Commander to more effectively support members in their rescue efforts.
12. The first responding Battalion Chief requested the response of a Vacuum Truck from the Bureau of Sanitation. This resource, which did respond and stand-by at the incident, could have proven to be invaluable in the event the hillside adjacent to the Rescue Zone collapsed and our rescue team became buried.
13. A USAR certified Battalion Chief was dispatched and designated as the SafetyOfficer.
14. Members took advantage of materials on scene for initial shoring efforts.
15. An air line, tank and mask were appropriately requested and in place for the victim in the event of a further collapse.
16. Ladders were utilized to move members in and out of the Rescue Zone from behind the wall in an effort to maintain the integrity of the hillside.
17. A very effective relief schedule was set-up and put in place by the Safety Officer. Members did not resist relief efforts and worked together in teams.
18. The overall rescue effort was slow and controlled due to the stable condition of the victim. All members were reminded to "Take their time" and not rush operations.
19. Members knowledge and use of rope rescue techniques was excellent.
20. Every effort was made to replace non-Usar certified members with certified USAR members as they arrived on scene.
Some of the items that were discussed as "Lessons Learned" included the following:
1. Incident Commanders should have immediately established "Logistics" to support the operation with needed resources and equipment.
2. USAR 88 was unable to access the incident due to blocked streets. It is critical to have the equipment carried by the USAR rigs immediately available to the rescue team.
3. Additional resources should have been requested to specifically address access problems. Members given this assignment could have established an equipmentshuttle with light vehicles to bring equipment to the rescue site pending the clearing of access streets.
4. The area surrounding the Rescue Zone could have been controlled earlier in the incident despite initial confusion and limited resources.
5. All members should work to become thoroughly familiar with the set-up and use of specialized equipment carried by the USAR companies and Heavy Rescue 56.
6. The minimum dimension for effective shoring in 4" X 4".
7. For Trench Rescue the equipment carried on a USAR rig is more specificallydesigned than the equipment carried on HR 56. Make every attempt to get the USAR rig as close to the rescue site as possible.
8. Proper PPEs for Trench ops should be utilized at all times including eye protection and helmets.
9. Every attempt should be made to teather off members at the earliest possible time in the incident.
10. Equipment brought to the Rescue zone should be pre-connected and/or set up andtested prior to being passed to the Rescue Team.
Battalion 14 would once again like to thank and compliment all members who participated in this successful rescue. A special thanks to LA County again for working so well with our members and another tip of the hat to all of the members who take it to the next level by earning their certs and working in specialized assignments such as USAR or Heavy Rescue....you really demonstrated the value of your training!
This rescue presented several challenges that were unique and specific to this incident (but could be present at others) including:
1. A steep, unstable hillside located directly above the victim.
2. A 15 foot concrete wall directly adjacent to the victim.
3. Very limited access for resources including apparatus and equipment.
4. Very limited egress for resources - specifically the transporting Rescue Ambulance.
Some of the actions taken at the incident were successful and worth noting including:
1. Initial responding Companies attempted to spot apparatus away from the front of the rescue location in an effort to leave an open space for USAR 88 and Heavy Rescue 56.
2. Adequate specialized resources were requested by initial responders.
3. Initial On-Scene Officers attempted to give responding Companies proper directions for access to the incident.
4. Every attempt was made to utilizer only USAR certified members in the rescue zone.
5. Members took advantage of the concrete wall to establish a "high point" for rope and tethering operations.
6. A "Rescue Officer" and "Safety Officer" were immediately designated to control and oversee operations in the rescue zone.
7. No attempts to rescue the victim were initiated until the trench was properly shored.
8. The medical condition of the victim was immediately assessed and constantly monitored throughout the incident.
9. All members in the Rescue Zone were tethered off as a safety precaution.
10. Cooperation between LAFD and LA County was excellent and seamless during the rescue.
11. Designation of an Operations Officer proved to be beneficial and enabled the Incident Commander to more effectively support members in their rescue efforts.
12. The first responding Battalion Chief requested the response of a Vacuum Truck from the Bureau of Sanitation. This resource, which did respond and stand-by at the incident, could have proven to be invaluable in the event the hillside adjacent to the Rescue Zone collapsed and our rescue team became buried.
13. A USAR certified Battalion Chief was dispatched and designated as the SafetyOfficer.
14. Members took advantage of materials on scene for initial shoring efforts.
15. An air line, tank and mask were appropriately requested and in place for the victim in the event of a further collapse.
16. Ladders were utilized to move members in and out of the Rescue Zone from behind the wall in an effort to maintain the integrity of the hillside.
17. A very effective relief schedule was set-up and put in place by the Safety Officer. Members did not resist relief efforts and worked together in teams.
18. The overall rescue effort was slow and controlled due to the stable condition of the victim. All members were reminded to "Take their time" and not rush operations.
19. Members knowledge and use of rope rescue techniques was excellent.
20. Every effort was made to replace non-Usar certified members with certified USAR members as they arrived on scene.
Some of the items that were discussed as "Lessons Learned" included the following:
1. Incident Commanders should have immediately established "Logistics" to support the operation with needed resources and equipment.
2. USAR 88 was unable to access the incident due to blocked streets. It is critical to have the equipment carried by the USAR rigs immediately available to the rescue team.
3. Additional resources should have been requested to specifically address access problems. Members given this assignment could have established an equipmentshuttle with light vehicles to bring equipment to the rescue site pending the clearing of access streets.
4. The area surrounding the Rescue Zone could have been controlled earlier in the incident despite initial confusion and limited resources.
5. All members should work to become thoroughly familiar with the set-up and use of specialized equipment carried by the USAR companies and Heavy Rescue 56.
6. The minimum dimension for effective shoring in 4" X 4".
7. For Trench Rescue the equipment carried on a USAR rig is more specificallydesigned than the equipment carried on HR 56. Make every attempt to get the USAR rig as close to the rescue site as possible.
8. Proper PPEs for Trench ops should be utilized at all times including eye protection and helmets.
9. Every attempt should be made to teather off members at the earliest possible time in the incident.
10. Equipment brought to the Rescue zone should be pre-connected and/or set up andtested prior to being passed to the Rescue Team.
Battalion 14 would once again like to thank and compliment all members who participated in this successful rescue. A special thanks to LA County again for working so well with our members and another tip of the hat to all of the members who take it to the next level by earning their certs and working in specialized assignments such as USAR or Heavy Rescue....you really demonstrated the value of your training!
MAJOR EMERGENCY - TRENCH RESCUE
On Monday, Februry 5, Battalion 14 was dispatched to the intersection of Fareholm Dr. X Orange Grove Ave. in the Hollywood Hills on a report of a man trapped in a trench at a construction site. Additional units on the initial dispatch included E 41, RA 41, LF 60, E 97, HR 56, EMS 5, RA 97, E 27, TF 88, USAR 88 and Battalion 10.
(To view video of the Rescue click on the links at the end of this story)
The initial company on scene, E 41, reported that they had located a male construction worker who was partially buried (waist high) in a trench behind a structure. E 41 gave the responding companies directions on how to best access the incident location due to the narrow streets in the area that were partially blocked by parked vehicles.
Battalion 14, who was responding from Battalion 11 headquarters, arrived shortly after E 41 and RA 41 and assumed the role of Incident Commander. While enroute Battalion 14 contacted OCD and requested they contact the Department of Sanitation to provide a large Vacuum Truck in the event it would be needed at the incident.
LF 60, led by USAR Certified Captain II Scott Frazier, arrived shortly after BATT. 14 and was assigned as the Rescue Group Leader. Captain Frazier's immediate concern was to assess the medical needs of the trapped worker and begin the difficult task of stabilizing the area around the collapse to provide a safe working environment for the rescue team.
As additional units arrived on scene members who were assigned to the rescue team were divided into a cutting group and a shoring group to address the immediate need for shoring the work/rescue area.
EMS 5 ( O'Gorman )was assigned as the Medical Group Leader and was tasked with establishing Base Station contact (communications) and providing USAR certified Paramedics to begin assesment and treatment of the worker while he was in the trench.
Due to the dangerous condition of the decomposed granite slope behind and above the workers location it was detertmined that the initial rescue efforts would not begin until the area around the worker was secured by proper shoring. Members utilized construction materials on scene along with specialized equipment and materials carried by USAR 88 and HR 56 to accomplish this task.
While the shoring operation was taking place USAR certified Paramedics began patient assessment and stabilization. Members brought O2 and an Air Line to the patient along with a SCBA Facepiece to protect the worker in the event of additional collapse.
Members were directed to take advantage of the concrete construction wall above the trapped worker to begin setting up "High Points" for rope tethering and rescue lines. Members assigned to this task did an outstanding job of setting up the proper rope systems including the establishment of systems utilizing "mechanical advantage" in the event they would be needed. The High Point rope systems were a very critical component of the rescue that greatly increased the overall efficiency and safety of the operation.
With the arrival of Heavy Rescue 56 members began to use additional specialized equipment in the continuing shoring operation and the rescue operation that was now underway. Large Low Pressure Air Bags were carefully placed behind the plywood panels against the steep slope to provide stability for shoring struts. Smaller High Pressure Air Bags were also used at the base of the panels for stability.
With the arrival of additional Command Staff Division 2 Chief Ware assumed the role of Incident Commander and Battalion 5 Chief Fry was assigned the important role of Safety Officer. Battalion 14 Chief Williams was assigned as Operations. Due to the extremely difficult problems involving access to the incident Battalion 10 Chief Comerford was assigned to coordinate the Staging of companies and the establishment of access and egress routes to and from the incident.
As the rescue efforts intensified members worked in concert to move equipment to the work area while removing dirt and debris from around the trapped worker. Members also worked to begin removing a large pile of gravel in front of the incident in order to provide improved access for the Vacuum Truck in the event it would be needed in the rescue effort.
Due to the length of the operation the Safety Officer initiated a relief schedule for the members working in the trench. This proved to be a very critical factor in insuring a safe working environment and helped to speed the operation. All members, as well as the trapped worker, were on High Point Tether at all times while they were in the trench.
Approximately two hours after dispatch the last bit of material was removed from the base of the trench enabling members of the Rescue Team to release the foot of the worker and begin the task of raising him by a harness and placing him on a backboard in a Litter Basket. After successfully removing the worker from the trench the Rescue Team passed the Litter Basket to a waiting team of Paramedics who quickly assessed the patient, performed immobilization (C-Spine) ops, placed a splint on his lower leg and transported him to the hospital via Rescue 97.
All members who were assigned to this incident are to be commended for an outstanding team effort in accomplishing this rescue under difficult and dangerous conditions. Additional companies who assisted in the rescue efforts included TF 5, USAR 5, SQ 70, E 82, RA 88, RA 27 and RA 78.
A special thanks also goes out to L.A. County F.D. 8s and Battalion 1 who assisted in the USAR operation.
For an exclusive Video of the rescue click here.
For CBS/KCAL Video click here.
We will have a number of Lessons Learned from this incident and will be posting them on this site in the very near future. We look forward to your Comments.
A sincere Thank You to all members from the Battalion 14 Command Team!
VIDEO TRAINING
Here are three videos that provide valuable training for our members. Thanks to VentEnterSearch.com for posting these in their video library.
1. Rotary Saw training incident.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4893123964719164150
2. The importance of properly footing a ladder.
http://www.vententersearch.com/videos/ladder.wmv
3. Garage Fire incident.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R47i28j_Eo
We look forward to your comments. Thanks
1. Rotary Saw training incident.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4893123964719164150
2. The importance of properly footing a ladder.
http://www.vententersearch.com/videos/ladder.wmv
3. Garage Fire incident.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R47i28j_Eo
We look forward to your comments. Thanks
VENT ENTER SEARCH
Thanks to our friend Rob Kight for letting us know about a great web site. VentEnter Search.com is an outstanding site for Fire Service related info with an emphasis on Truck Company / Rescue ops. Please take the time to check out the great info on this site.CRANE INCIDENT - PHOTOS BY MEADOWS
Battalion 14 is proud to publish some outstanding photos of Friday's Crane Collapse taken by award winning professional photographer Mike Meadows. Mike is not only a great photographer but a great friend to the LAFD and Battalion 14.
Look for additional photos by Mike Meadows in the near future on this site...
Look for additional photos by Mike Meadows in the near future on this site...
PHYSICAL RESCUE - CRANE OVERTURNS ONTO SAN DIEGO FREEWAY
On Friday, February 2, LAFD members were dispatched to a Physical Rescue report of a "Man Trapped by Crane" on the Northbound 405 (San Diego) Freeway near Ventura Bl.
Access to the incident was difficult due to the associated traffic jam on the freeway and adjacent surface streets. After requesting additional resources LF 88 developed a strategy for the incident that would address the specific needs for the Rescue, Medical and Scene Safety components.
Initial additional resources included E 99, RA 83, EMS 10, USAR 88, HR 56, RA 909, BC 10 and BC 14.
When Battalion 10 (Cairns) arrived on scene he assumed the role of Incident Commander and assigned Battalion 14 as the Safety Officer, EMS 10 as the Medical Group Leader, and USAR 88 Captain (Ojeda) as the Rescue Group Leader.
Members simultaneously addressed the rescue and medical needs of patients on the freeway and in the overturned crane. Fortunately the injuries suffered by the driver of a Semi-Truck that struck the crane boom and a passenger in an SUV that was forced into the center divider were minor.
The challenge for the members responsible for the Physical Rescue of the trapped crane operator was to effect a rescue and address the medical needs of a patient pinned in a very small confined space. When the crane overturned it fell on (and crushed) a large commercial generator. The operator was pinned inside the cab between the crushed generator and the collapsed superstructure of his operators cabin. In addition, the rescue would be complicated by the fact that the operator's legs were trapped and pinned by the collapsed cabin.
Working in a confined space approximately 18" wide members of the Rescue Group, including USAR 88 and TF 88 developed a plan for freeing the patient. Additional members began the critical task of using heavy timbers to shore up the crane boom. Due to the leakage of diesel fuel and hydraulic oil from the crane additional companies were assigned the task of Scene Safety and immediately placed a charged hoseline backed by portable fire extinguishers near the crane to protect the patient and FD members.
RA 83 assumed the role of patient care and continually assesed and met the medical needs of the trapped operator from above his position on the boom of the crane. Although the operator was trapped and in obvious pain he remained conscious and alert throughout the incident and was able to talk with his rescuers.
With the arrival of Heavy Rescue 56 an action plan was put into place to slowly raise the crane boom in order to relieve the downward pressure on the large generator. With the pressure relieved from the generator the Heavy Rescue would be able to place a large chain around the base of the generator and slightly pull it backwards and away from the crane cabin providing access for Rescue Group members.
As the equipment was being put into place for the above operation members of the Rescue Group utilized the Holmatro Tool's large cutters to make relief cuts in the crumpled sheet metal trapping the driver. Members took great caution in this operation in order to insure the safety of the patient. This operation, combined with the movement of the generator, enabled members to reach the patient and free his trapped legs from the collapsed cabin.
Division 3 (James) arrived on scene and assumed the role of Incident Commander. Recognizing the need for rapid transport to a Trauma Hospital it was decided that an Air Ambulance would be the best means due to the heavy ground traffic. Fire 4 responded to the incident with Paramedics and landed on the now closed 405 Freeway to await rescue of the patient.
Additional companies assigned to the rescue included TF 89, LF 75, RA 78, EMS 14, RA 88, EMS 17 and RH 114.
To view a video of the incident click here.
TF 88 was first to arrive on scene and reported that they had a large construction crane that had overturned trapping the operator inside. In addition they reported that they had additional injuries to motorists on the freeway caused by the crane boom which had extended over several lanes.
Access to the incident was difficult due to the associated traffic jam on the freeway and adjacent surface streets. After requesting additional resources LF 88 developed a strategy for the incident that would address the specific needs for the Rescue, Medical and Scene Safety components.
Initial additional resources included E 99, RA 83, EMS 10, USAR 88, HR 56, RA 909, BC 10 and BC 14.
When Battalion 10 (Cairns) arrived on scene he assumed the role of Incident Commander and assigned Battalion 14 as the Safety Officer, EMS 10 as the Medical Group Leader, and USAR 88 Captain (Ojeda) as the Rescue Group Leader.
Members simultaneously addressed the rescue and medical needs of patients on the freeway and in the overturned crane. Fortunately the injuries suffered by the driver of a Semi-Truck that struck the crane boom and a passenger in an SUV that was forced into the center divider were minor.The challenge for the members responsible for the Physical Rescue of the trapped crane operator was to effect a rescue and address the medical needs of a patient pinned in a very small confined space. When the crane overturned it fell on (and crushed) a large commercial generator. The operator was pinned inside the cab between the crushed generator and the collapsed superstructure of his operators cabin. In addition, the rescue would be complicated by the fact that the operator's legs were trapped and pinned by the collapsed cabin.
Working in a confined space approximately 18" wide members of the Rescue Group, including USAR 88 and TF 88 developed a plan for freeing the patient. Additional members began the critical task of using heavy timbers to shore up the crane boom. Due to the leakage of diesel fuel and hydraulic oil from the crane additional companies were assigned the task of Scene Safety and immediately placed a charged hoseline backed by portable fire extinguishers near the crane to protect the patient and FD members.
RA 83 assumed the role of patient care and continually assesed and met the medical needs of the trapped operator from above his position on the boom of the crane. Although the operator was trapped and in obvious pain he remained conscious and alert throughout the incident and was able to talk with his rescuers.
With the arrival of Heavy Rescue 56 an action plan was put into place to slowly raise the crane boom in order to relieve the downward pressure on the large generator. With the pressure relieved from the generator the Heavy Rescue would be able to place a large chain around the base of the generator and slightly pull it backwards and away from the crane cabin providing access for Rescue Group members.
As the equipment was being put into place for the above operation members of the Rescue Group utilized the Holmatro Tool's large cutters to make relief cuts in the crumpled sheet metal trapping the driver. Members took great caution in this operation in order to insure the safety of the patient. This operation, combined with the movement of the generator, enabled members to reach the patient and free his trapped legs from the collapsed cabin.
Division 3 (James) arrived on scene and assumed the role of Incident Commander. Recognizing the need for rapid transport to a Trauma Hospital it was decided that an Air Ambulance would be the best means due to the heavy ground traffic. Fire 4 responded to the incident with Paramedics and landed on the now closed 405 Freeway to await rescue of the patient.
Additional companies assigned to the rescue included TF 89, LF 75, RA 78, EMS 14, RA 88, EMS 17 and RH 114.
In a coordinated effort the patient was extricated from the crane, placed on a backboard and immobilized with c-spine precautions, stabilized with first care medical procedures including establishment of an I.V line and transported to the waiting helicopter (Fire 4) for a rapid flight to the Trauma Center.
Members did an outstanding job of effecting a successful rescue under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.
